This blog is to chronicle my family's experiences with the autism spectrum -- it is NOT indicative of any medical or diagnostic truths. There is so much information out there, much of which is presented as facts, when, in truth, they are unproven and contain unsubstantiated pieces of information. I just want everyone to know that this blog is ANECDOTAL and based on ONE FAMILY'S EXPERIENCE; it does not exist to present scientific facts (unless I specify otherwise).

Monday, March 21, 2011

Fast and Slow

There is a Laurie Berkner Band song called "Fast and Slow". This was released on their album Rocketship Run, but we weren't introduced to the song until it appeared (with video and animation) in the 2009 Noggin (now NickJr) special "Let's Hear it for the Laurie Berkner Band". Since then it's become a favorite.

This is a DVD that we bought for Hanukkah for Simon (officially -- there were 3 DVDs and they were each opened by a child, but all of them were for all 3 kids). When we first got it, the kids would watch it regularly. But lately, we've only been pulling it out when Dad and Daniel aren't home (basketball or baseball practice). So, no surprise last Tuesday when I put it in the DVD player and we started watching it during "run-around time".

In general, it was normal Laurie run-around time. They would come and go, sometimes watching it and sometimes not (not consistent for songs [except "Victor Vito" -- they ALWAYS watch that one]) and I was glimpsing moments of enjoyment in both the video and their activities and antics. The last song on the DVD is "Fast and Slow", and it's done as an "ENCORE" which they entice the children listening to call for. At this point on this particular Tuesday night, they were tired and just sat down and started playing quietly. So for the first time, I really got to listen to the song and the lyrics. Now, I already know the song by heart and am very familiar with the lyrics, but something was different that night. I really HEARD them. I think for the first time.

"You don't want to go slow, you go fast.And you may find your missing the world you go past.Crickets singing their sound.Golden leaves on the ground.You may find something new that you wouldn't have found if you never went slow only fast.

So won't you slow down and wait for me.Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow.Come on slow down.We can share all the new things we seeWhen we're slow,Here we go,Together we're slow."

I'm an "Autism Mom". My children need me to go slow so they can process the world around them. My instinct is still to be the rabbit and rush through things. But every time I slow down and explore the world through my children's eyes, I learn something special. I see something new, just like noticing the words in this song (which I knew but never really considered). I know it wasn't written about an "Autism Mom", but it speaks directly to me. Moments need to be embraced and cherished. Catch every detail. Moments disappear, and then they can't come back. I'm honored to be a part of their world and experience this through them.

2 comments:

Hi - My name is Ashley and I came across your blog through Apples and Autobots. Sorry for posting this as a comment on your blog...

My husband Ryan is working on completing his PhD in clinical psychology and for his final research project he is researching ASD in children. I was wondering if you would be able to help us out by filling out a quick online survey. If you are, we'd greatly appreciate it and the survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ASDStudy Thanks for your help in ASD research. Please email me if you have any questions. The survey is anonymous and can be filled out once for each child with ASD. Thanks in advance for your help.Ashley

I thought this was kind of cool -- I put this post on the wall of the Laurie Berkner Band Facebook page and this was the response. So I copied it and posted it here....

"Hi Ilene, I was really moved by your post. I feel the same way about experiencing the world with my own daughter and about myself (how important is is for me to slow down). That's what inspired me to start writing the song, even before Lucy was born. Thanks for sharing here. -L"

A Little Bit About Me and My Family

Every once in a while, something happens to a family that seems to change everything, whether that change is positive, negative, or in an uncertain direction. One such thing happened to us in March 2009, when we were informed our 26 month old twins (girl/boy) were BOTH on the autism spectrum. Their older brother (nearly 4 at the time) had always been ahead of the curve for most developmental milestones, so we had never really considered that some of the delays the twins were having had anything to do with autism. Well, we were wrong. Since then we have been learning about learning techniques and doing everything we can to make sure they get any and all help they need so that they can live normal lives. This blog chronicles that journey.

If you have all of those things: crust, sauce, cheese, you made an Autism pizza. It might have different toppings, but you can look at it and know it's still a pizza. If your pizza doesn't have sauce, that's Aspergers's. If your pizza is missing more than that but still kind of looks like a pizza, that's PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified)